20 Questions: Nicky Robinson – Bristol fly-half

Describe your season to date?
Torn pectoral muscle and calf injuries made it difficult to get a run of games but it’s starting to come together and I’ve got a bit of form going.
Impressive signings in Peel and Perenise?
That shows the intent the club talked about when I was thinking of signing. Bristol‘s a club that really wants to move forward and I want to be part of that.
Played with Dwayne Peel before?
We played a few games with Wales together and it’s exciting he’s coming down. He wants to finish his career on a high.
Any regrets leaving Wales?
None. You wonder what might have happened but I always wanted to play in the Premiership and my two years at Gloucester were brilliant.
Stay in touch with Gloucester boys?
Yes. Mike Tindall, James Simpson-Daniel and I co-own the racehorse Monbeg Dude, and Andy Hazell’s is currently installing my home cinema!
The horse-racing must be fun?
It’s been amazing. Monbeg Dude has won four races now and we’re so fortunate to have had all that excitement, with more to come hopefully.
What are the plans for Monbeg Dude?
We’re hoping he’ll run in the Grand National. He’s got another race before then and hopefully he’ll get to Aintree.
Play any other sports as a kid?
I played football until secondary school, but cricket was my No.1 game really. I played for Radyr CC as an all-rounder (left arm spin) and represented my county.
Follow any other sports now?
I enjoy watching all sport and playing golf. I play off 12 and there are a few keen golfers at Bristol in Adrian Jarvis, Kyle Traynor, and Jason Hobson.
Support a football team?
I do follow Cardiff City but Liverpool’s the team I’ve always supported and I was at Anfield a few weeks ago to see them play Norwich.
Boyhood sporting hero?
Ian Botham. I had a video called That Man Botham which I watched over and over again and I was very lucky to meet him after the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor.
Want the Heineken Cup row sorted?
Of course. Every time you come to HC weekends the excitement grows. It’s the envy of the world and we’ve got to have that intensity of competition in Europe.
Pet hates and annoyances?
Cutlery that’s too small! And referees constantly asking TMOs about forward passes. If it’s that obvious pull it up, if not don’t bother going back for it.
Any sympathy for referees?
Yes, lots. Rugby‘s getting like football where we’re constantly criticising referees and I don’t like seeing that in the Press. As much as you get frustrated at times, it’s a difficult job.
Got any post-rugby plans?
I’m involved in a company called Athlete Career Transition which was set up by two former Welsh rugby players, Andy and Steve Moore. We take athletes and place them with a company while they’re still training and hopefully it helps them.
Rituals or superstitions?
I’ve got a few random ones but the main one is having a coffee and some Scotch pancakes on the way to a match. It helps me relax.
Biggest nause at Bristol?
Kyle Traynor. He likes to talk about himself a lot, loves being friendly with all the coaches and I’ve even seen him high-fiving Andy Robinson. He’s always in the coaches’ office. Yuk!
Tell us something unusual about Sean Holley?
He’s seriously dieting. He’s realised that he’s over 40 now and, being a TV star, is not in the shape he thought he was. He’s seen in the gym at 7am most mornings now.
If you could invite three special dinner guests?
Ian Botham, who can choose the wine; Stephen Fry for his sheer eloquence; and I’d have to have a comedian, so Michael McIntyre who makes me laugh.
Ambitions for rest of season?
To win promotion to the Premiership. It’s a long season in the Championship and we are building towards trying to peak in May and June.